A tombstone in the Warren-Powers Cemetery of Polk County, Iowa has raised more than a few eyebrows.
The message reads: “Forever in our hearts, until we meet again, cherished memories, known as our brother, father, papa, uncle, friend, and cousin.”
The message was written by Lindsay Owens, daughter of the late Steven Owens. At first glance, it seems harmless enough, but how the words are positioned reveals a secret message with an off-color meaning, ‘F— Off’.
The hidden message is formed by the first letter of each line and can be read vertically from the left side of the tombstone. Steven’s family said the phrase was selected because it was something Steven said often in jest.
“It was definitely his term of endearment. If he didn’t like you, he didn’t speak to you. It’s just who he was,” Lindsay Owens said.
“He’s easily riled up. It was always a goal of some sort to have him tell you to do this,” said Zachary Owens, Steven’s son.
The headstone has been a source of contention for cemetery staff since its inception. They say vulgarity has no place in the graves of loved ones who have been placed to rest for all eternity.
Steven Owens’ family is now seeking to avoid having to remove the headstone.
While some may find it insulting, the family claims that this was not their intention, and they hope that others would find it amusing.
“No one’s forcing anyone to come out and look at it. That’s a choice that you make, We didn’t do it to offend anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings. We did it because it was our father and we love him and that’s the way we remember him,” Zachary Owens said.
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